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Air Tahiti vs Air Moana —
Complete Comparison 2026
Getting around the islands of French Polynesia means flying — and that means choosing between two local airlines: Air Tahiti and Air Moana. We book these flights regularly living here in Moorea, and we compare both airlines every single time we plan an inter-island trip.
The honest answer: neither is clearly better than the other. What matters is the route, the dates, and whether your itinerary actually matches what each airline covers. Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice — and one critical pricing tip that most travellers booking from abroad completely miss.
Air Tahiti vs Air Moana — our complete guide to inter-island flights in French Polynesia.
Air Tahiti vs Air Tahiti Nui — two completely different airlines
The names are confusingly similar, but these are two entirely separate companies doing two entirely different things.
| Air Tahiti | Air Tahiti Nui | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Local inter-island airline | Long-haul international airline |
| Routes | Between islands of French Polynesia | Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo, Auckland → Papeete |
| Aircraft | Small turboprops (ATR 72) | Wide-body jets (Airbus A340, Boeing 787) |
| Who it's for | Getting between islands once you're in Polynesia | Getting to French Polynesia from abroad |
This article covers Air Tahiti and Air Moana — the two local inter-island airlines. If you're looking for flights from the US, Europe or Australia to Papeete, that's Air Tahiti Nui (and its competitors Air France and French Bee) — a completely different topic covered in our dedicated guide.
International flights Flights to Tahiti from the US — Airlines, Prices & Tips Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, French Bee — how to get to Papeete from Los Angeles, San Francisco or New York.Air Tahiti vs Air Moana — our verdict
Air Tahiti is the historic local carrier — a Tahitian airline that has been operating inter-island routes for decades. Air Moana is the newer arrival, a serious locally-owned airline that appeared more recently and serves fewer islands. Both are the same level: same aircraft type, same service, same experience on board. There is no premium vs budget distinction between the two — they are direct competitors on equal footing.
The only meaningful differences: Air Tahiti covers 48 islands, Air Moana covers 9. Air Tahiti has many more daily departures — more flexibility, and crucially, if there's a disruption (weather, technical issue), you get rebooked on the next flight, which might be in 2 hours. With Air Moana, some destinations have only 2 flights per week. That's a real operational risk worth factoring in.
Air Moana is often cheaper — especially on Society Islands and Tuamotu routes, and notably on Tahiti–Marquesas. But not always. In high season, the gap narrows, and we've seen Air Tahiti come out cheaper. The only approach that works: simulate both every single time, for each leg separately.
Our honest bottom line: for a difference of $100–200 on your total inter-island flights, take what's most practical. If the price gap is large, go for Air Moana. But if you're doing a multi-island circuit with tight connections, Air Tahiti's frequency and network makes everything simpler. For most travellers, that peace of mind is worth more than a small price difference.
Quick comparison — Air Tahiti vs Air Moana
| Criteria | Air Tahiti | Air Moana |
|---|---|---|
| Islands served | 48 — all archipelagos | 9 — Moorea · Bora Bora · Raiatea · Huahine · Rangiroa · Fakarava · Tikehau · Nuku Hiva · Hiva Oa |
| Price | Sometimes higher — always check | Often cheaper — but not always |
| Flight frequency | More departures, more flexibility | Fewer schedules |
| Comfort | Equivalent — comfortable | Equivalent — comfortable |
| Punctuality | Equivalent | Equivalent |
| Inter-island pass | Yes — Air Tahiti Discovery Pass | Yes — Air Moana Experience Pass |
| Baggage (economy) | 5kg carry-on + 23kg hold bag | 5kg carry-on + 23kg hold bag |
| Best for | Remote islands, complex itineraries | Most visited islands: Society Islands, Tuamotu, Marquesas |
Routes & destinations — which airline covers which islands
Air Tahiti — 48 islands, near-complete coverage
Air Tahiti is the dominant inter-island airline in French Polynesia, serving 48 islands across all five main archipelagos: Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Maupiti…), Tuamotu (Rangiroa, Fakarava, Tikehau, Manihi, Mataiva and many more), Marquesas (Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa…), Austral (Rurutu, Raivavae…) and Gambier. For most complex itineraries or trips that include remote islands, Air Tahiti is simply the only option.
Air Moana — 9 islands, focused on the main circuit
Air Moana serves 9 destinations: Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine, Rangiroa, Fakarava, Tikehau, Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa. For the classic circuits — Society Islands, the three main Tuamotu atolls, and even the Marquesas — Air Moana is a viable and often cheaper alternative to Air Tahiti. If your itinerary goes beyond these 9 destinations, you will need Air Tahiti.
For a classic 10-day circuit covering Moorea, Bora Bora and Rangiroa — always compare both airlines. For a trip including the Marquesas, Austral or remote Tuamotu atolls — go straight to Air Tahiti, Air Moana won't cover it.
Prices — when Air Moana is cheaper (and when it isn't)
Air Moana has a reputation for being cheaper than Air Tahiti — and that reputation is often justified. On the routes where both airlines compete (Papeete–Bora Bora, Papeete–Rangiroa, etc.), Air Moana can undercut Air Tahiti significantly, sometimes by half in low season.
But this is not always the case. In high season (July–August), the price gap narrows — and on certain dates, Air Tahiti can actually be cheaper. The only approach that works: simulate both airlines on the same dates, every single time. Never assume Air Moana will be cheaper without checking.
In peak season, inter-island flight prices can double compared to low season — on both airlines. Book as early as possible for July–August travel: 4 to 6 months ahead minimum for the best availability and prices.
Concrete example — Papeete → Bora Bora → Raiatea → Papeete
The difference between booking this circuit with Air Tahiti vs Air Moana in low season can be significant — sometimes 30 to 50% cheaper with Air Moana. In peak season, that gap narrows considerably. The pass price for this same circuit often comes out identical to buying the tickets individually — so always simulate both options before deciding.
Indicative prices by route — what to expect
| Route | Air Tahiti (approx.) | Air Moana (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papeete → Bora Bora | $110–200 | $85–165 | Both airlines operate this route · compare every time |
| Papeete → Raiatea | $75–130 | $65–110 | Both airlines · gateway to Taha'a, Bora Bora area |
| Papeete → Rangiroa | $120–220 | $100–185 | Both airlines · prices vary significantly by season |
| Papeete → Fakarava | $130–230 | $110–200 | Both airlines · Tuamotu routes |
| Papeete → Nuku Hiva (Marquesas) | ~$220 | ~$220 | Both airlines serve this route · must transit via Papeete for Marquesas |
| Bora Bora → Raiatea | $65–110 | $55–100 | Short hop · both airlines operate it |
Inter-island flight prices vary significantly by season, booking date and availability. The ranges above are approximate guides based on our regular simulations — always check both airline websites for your specific dates before booking.
The pricing gap most travellers from abroad completely miss
This is the most important thing in this article. The prices displayed on Air Tahiti and Air Moana websites when you browse from outside French Polynesia — from the US, Europe, or Australia — can be up to 30% higher than the prices available locally or through local travel agencies. This is not a mistake. It is simply how the pricing works.
There are two ways to avoid paying more than necessary:
1 — Book through a local travel agency. Local agencies in French Polynesia have access to negotiated airline rates that are simply not available to travellers booking directly on the websites from abroad. If you are already using a travel agency to organise your trip (hotels, excursions, itinerary), let them handle the inter-island flights too — their prices will be lower than what you can get independently.
2 — If booking independently, accept you won't get the best price. There is no workaround to access local pricing from abroad on the airline websites directly. You will pay the international rate. The difference can be meaningful on a multi-island circuit.
If you are working with a travel agency for your trip — and we recommend it for French Polynesia — let them book your inter-island flights. Their pricing access makes a real difference. If you are planning independently, compare both airlines for each leg, book early, and accept the international pricing.
Inter-island passes — Air Tahiti Discovery Pass & Air Moana Experience Pass
Air Tahiti Discovery Pass — available passes & routes
Air Tahiti offers 7 distinct passes, each covering a specific set of islands. Here are the exact routes included in each pass:
| Pass | Islands included | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pass BOB | Moorea · Huahine · Raiatea · Bora Bora | Classic Society Islands circuit without Maupiti |
| Pass Maeva | Moorea · Huahine · Raiatea · Bora Bora | Same as BOB — check current naming on airtahiti.com |
| Pass Maupiti | Moorea · Huahine · Raiatea · Bora Bora · Maupiti | Society Islands + authentic Maupiti |
| Pass Reva | Moorea · Huahine · Raiatea · Bora Bora · Maupiti · Rangiroa · Tikehau · Fakarava | The most comprehensive — Society + top Tuamotu atolls |
| Pass Tuamotu | Rangiroa · Tikehau · Fakarava | Tuamotu-focused — divers & atoll lovers |
| Pass Marquises | Nuku Hiva · Hiva Oa | Marquesas Islands only |
| Pass Australes | Tubuai · Rurutu | Austral Islands only |
The pass works well if your entire itinerary falls within one of the covered zone combinations and you have 3+ inter-island legs. For example, if you're doing Moorea + Bora Bora + Rangiroa + Fakarava, the Pass Reva may save you money. But for a simple Papeete → Bora Bora → Papeete circuit, individual tickets usually come out the same price or cheaper. Always simulate both before buying.
Air Moana Experience Pass — how it works
Air Moana's pass is called the Experience Pass. It covers Air Moana's 9 destinations in a loop — Society Islands and Tuamotu atolls. For the Marquesas (Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa), you must transit back through Papeete, same as Air Tahiti.
The booking process is different from Air Tahiti: you first simulate your circuit online on Air Moana's website, then send the result directly by email to the Air Moana reservations team. Unlike Air Tahiti where everything is done online, Air Moana requires this email step to finalise the pass booking. Factor this into your planning timeline.
A pass works well if: your itinerary is entirely within the covered zone, you plan 3+ inter-island legs, and the total pass price comes out lower than the sum of individual tickets when you simulate. If any of these conditions aren't met — buy individual tickets.
| Pass | Airline | Coverage | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery Pass | Air Tahiti | Multiple zone options — Society, Tuamotu, Marquesas combinations | Multi-island trips across archipelagos |
| Experience Pass | Air Moana | 9 destinations in a loop — Society Islands + Tuamotu · Marquesas require Papeete transit | Classic multi-island circuit · simulate online then email reservations team |
Baggage allowance — Air Tahiti & Air Moana
Both airlines offer the same baggage allowance across equivalent fare classes:
| Fare class | Carry-on | Hold bag |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (both airlines) | 5 kg | 23 kg |
| Premium (both airlines) | 10 kg | 46 kg |
Inter-island aircraft in French Polynesia are small turboprops — hold luggage capacity is limited. Soft bags are strongly recommended over hard suitcases, especially on smaller routes. If you have dive gear, confirm with the airline in advance.
How to book inter-island flights in French Polynesia
Our recommended method for independent travellers
Step 1 — List your legs. Write down every inter-island flight you need: island A → island B, with your intended dates.
Step 2 — Check which airlines cover each route. If a route involves islands outside Air Moana's 9 destinations, Air Tahiti is your only option. If both cover it, move to step 3.
Step 3 — Simulate both airlines directly. Go to airtahiti.com and airmoana.pf (enter these directly in your browser — we don't link to them). Be warned: neither website is particularly ergonomic. Search each leg individually, note the prices, and build your own comparison. It takes time, but it's the only way to get the real figures for your exact dates.
Step 4 — Simulate with and without a pass. If you have 3+ inter-island legs within a pass zone, check whether the pass total is cheaper than the sum of individual tickets.
Step 5 — Book the best combination. You may end up using Air Tahiti for some legs and Air Moana for others. That said, on a single loop (e.g. Papeete → Bora Bora → Raiatea → Huahine → Papeete), staying with one airline is more coherent and usually better priced — especially if you're using a pass. Mixing airlines makes more sense when changing archipelagos entirely: for example, doing a Society Islands loop with one airline, then booking a separate Papeete → Marquesas return independently.
We live in Moorea. The ferry from Papeete takes 30 minutes, departs constantly throughout the day, and costs a fraction of a flight. By the time you check in, wait, board and land, you've spent 2+ hours and far more money. For Moorea, the ferry is always the right answer. No exceptions.
Where to search for international flights to Tahiti
For your international flight to Papeete (Air Tahiti Nui, Air France, French Bee from the US or Europe), you can use aggregators like Google Flights or Kayak to compare prices — international fares can be booked up to a year in advance. Then either book directly on the airline's website or go through a local travel agency for preferential rates. Note: these aggregators work well for international flights, but don't use them for inter-island flights — go directly to airtahiti.com and airmoana.pf for those.
Let them handle the inter-island flights entirely. Their locally-negotiated rates can be up to 30% lower than what you'll find on the airline websites from abroad. On a multi-island circuit, this saving alone often justifies working with an agency — and you get the booking optimised, the best combinations found, and someone to call if something changes.
For complex itineraries — use a local agency
If your trip involves 3+ inter-island legs, islands with low flight frequency, or a loop through multiple archipelagos, a local travel agency is the simplest and often cheapest solution. The inter-island booking websites are not designed for complex itinerary planning — optimising a multi-island circuit on your own takes significant time. A local agency does it faster, often at better prices, and handles any rebooking if something goes wrong.
Practical tips for inter-island flights
Best time to buy inter-island flights
Peak season in French Polynesia. Both airlines fill up fast and prices climb sharply. For July–September travel, book as soon as your trip is confirmed — ideally a full year in advance. Inter-island flights on popular routes during these months sell out completely months before departure.
Low and shoulder season. More flexibility, better prices. Booking 3 to 6 months ahead is generally enough to secure good availability and reasonable fares.
Why using a local agency is often the smartest move
Managing a multi-island circuit on your own — comparing Air Tahiti vs Air Moana for each leg, simulating passes, checking schedules for remote islands, handling rebooking if something is cancelled — is genuinely complex. The more islands you visit, the more moving parts there are.
A local travel agency simplifies everything: they compare both airlines on your behalf, have access to negotiated local pricing (up to 30% cheaper than what you see from abroad), and handle any changes or cancellations. For a trip with 3+ inter-island legs, the time and money saved almost always justifies it. We regularly recommend this approach to the travellers we advise here in Moorea.
Always keep a buffer night in Tahiti before your international flight
This is the most important practical tip for any circuit in French Polynesia. Inter-island flights can be delayed or cancelled — weather conditions, technical issues, low passenger load. If your last inter-island leg (e.g. Bora Bora → Papeete) is on the same day as your international flight home, a 2–3 hour delay means you miss your transatlantic connection. Always plan at least one buffer night in Tahiti before your international departure. Always.
When one airline is affected, the other usually is too
In bad weather — cyclone warnings, heavy rain, strong winds — both Air Tahiti and Air Moana are affected simultaneously. Cancellations on one don't mean the other is still flying normally.
Travel light if you can
Inter-island aircraft are small. Soft bags are much easier to manage than hard suitcases. If you're doing multiple island hops, pack light and leave the big suitcase in storage in Papeete.
Booking the last inter-island flight of the trip on the same day as the international flight home. A 3-hour inter-island delay means a missed transatlantic flight. Always keep a buffer night in Tahiti. No exceptions.
FAQ — Air Tahiti vs Air Moana
More guides for getting around French Polynesia
When to go Best Time to Visit French Polynesia — Month by Month Weather, high season vs low season and how timing affects inter-island flight prices. 3-week itinerary 3 Weeks in French Polynesia — Society & Tuamotu Islands The complete 3-week itinerary with inter-island flight logistics already planned out. 10-day itinerary 10-Day French Polynesia Itinerary — Moorea & Bora Bora The 10-day circuit with buffer nights and flight booking advice from a Moorea resident. Honeymoon French Polynesia Honeymoon Guide 2026 Planning a honeymoon across multiple islands — how to organise inter-island flights for couples. Tuamotu Best Things to Do in Rangiroa — Complete Guide Rangiroa is one of the top inter-island destinations — Blue Lagoon, dolphins, diving. Planning How to Plan a French Polynesia Trip on Your Own Step-by-step planning guide — from choosing islands to booking flights and hotels.
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👉 Here, we share our best travel experiences, insider tips, favorite spots, and authentic advice to explore French Polynesia with passion 💙 (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, the Marquesas, Tuamotu…)
